April 29, 2025 - 829 views
As temperatures rise in North Wales, people are being reminded about the danger of taking a quick dip to cool down.
Cold water shock is the body's immediate response to sudden immersion in cold water, which can lead to drowning.
Even on a hot day, the water can still be cold. Anyone who enters cold water suddenly is at risk, regardless of swimming ability.
It's important to know the signs and how to prevent drowning through cold water shock.
What happens when you have cold water shock?
There’s an involuntary gasp reflex, causing the person to inhale sharply. This can lead to water entering the lungs, increasing the risk of drowning.
Following the gasp reflex, breathing becomes rapid, this involuntary breathing is called hyperventilating. Again, this breathing can lead to water entering the lungs. It can also cause panic and a loss of control and disorientation, making it difficult for the person to swim.
Cold water shock triggers the body’s stress response, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can strain the heart and cause cardiac arrest.
As the body tries to keep warm the muscles in arms and leg will begin to cool which reduces strength, coordination and the ability to swim.
The effects of cold water shock pass quite quickly and usually last between 1 and 2 minutes.
What to do if you experience cold water shock
You can reduce the risk of drowning by not panicking and floating on your back. This will allow you to start to control your breathing. If you try and swim when experiencing cold water shock you can breathe in a lot of water and drown.
The advice to help prevent drownings through cold water shock is called Float to Live.
This lifesaving advice can be used in both inland and coastal waters.
